Mooncups: The Bloody TruthFrom Radio Hysteric's Charlie MacLean

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I am a keen environmentalist although not without flaws. I prefer to describe myself as a flexetarian, or more accurately a sober veggie, because morals are quickly replaced by a duo of double whoppers with cheese after a few ales.

It’s pretty evident that we just cannot keep annihilating resources at the current rate and treating the planet like our own game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Worse still is that it’s not taken seriously, or flat out denied. But that’s another topic, for another time…

Posted Aug 3rd by Captain Planet himself – Jesus Fucking Christ!!!

So I try to do my part to help and encourage everyone to find their own balance of what they’re prepared to change.

When my friend, Alice, mentioned moon cups to me I was intrigued for a number of reasons:

Composting and reducing packaging/plastic bags is one thing – but waste free menstruation is some next level shit

Tampons are classed as medical devices so there is no labeling requirement for ingredients. The debate rages on dioxins & insecticides. I wouldn’t even dip my toe into the murky waters of that debate, but I’m keen to leave my vagina out of it too

Sanitary products are classed as non-essential items so we get taxed on them. I’m gonna vote with my feet on this one – added bonus, boycotting makes me feel a little bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman…

If you’re similarly intrigued but feel intimidated, lemme break it down for you.

Day 3

Day 4 & 5

Overall thoughts

It does take some getting used to, but worth persevering with.

Ick factor? It’s definitely not as dainty & polite as pulling on a string & flushing away. You do have to get up there, and get “well acquainted” with your vagina , but that’s no bad thing. And you do have a much better understanding of your own body, and your own flow cycle. It’s not nearly as “icky” as you’re probably imagining

Tips

Trim the stem a little bit each day until it’s comfortable

It doesn’t need to be pushed up like a tampon. Have it sit as low as you can

Find your own technique for removing. You need to break the suction or it’s going to feel sore

Trim your nails!

Persevere, it may take up to 3 cycles to get used to

So have at it ladies. Fuck the (tax)man, embrace your bodies, and you’ll never need to buy, or throw away, another sanitary product again.